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English is a very important subject for you because it will help you increase your percentage. You can score high marks in this subject by studying notes and practicing MCQs. In this post, we will cover Chapter 5: English Vistas Notes | Class 12 – Chapter 5: On The Face Of It English Vistas Book.
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Key Content Of Chapter 5 On The Face Of It

🔹 Introduction
“On the Face of It” is a play written by Susan Hill.
It is about the meeting between:
👉 a young boy (Derry)
👉 an old man (Mr Lamb)
The story shows how thinking and attitude matter more than physical appearance.
🔹 Main Characters
- Derry (Derek) – A 14-year-old boy with a burnt face
- Mr Lamb – An old man with a tin leg
🔹 Central Idea
The play tells us that:
👉 Physical disability is less important than mindset
👉 Positive thinking can change life
👉 Isolation is harmful, connection is important
🔹 Detailed Summary
⭐ 1. Entry into the Garden
- Derry enters Mr Lamb’s garden secretly
- He thinks the place is empty
- Mr Lamb welcomes him warmly
⭐ 2. Derry’s Fear and Pain
- Derry has:
👉 a burnt face (acid injury) - He feels:
- people hate him
- people are afraid of him
- He avoids social life
⭐ 3. Mr Lamb’s Positive Thinking
- Mr Lamb has:
👉 a tin leg (lost in war) - But he:
- lives happily
- accepts life positively
- He believes:
👉 everything in nature is important
⭐ 4. Important Conversation
- Mr Lamb teaches Derry:
- not to fear people
- not to isolate himself
- He says:
👉 “It’s all life”
👉 difference doesn’t matter
⭐ 5. Change in Derry
- Derry starts:
- thinking positively
- liking the garden
- He feels:
👉 happiness and freedom
⭐ 6. Conflict with Mother
- Derry’s mother warns him:
- not to go to Mr Lamb
- But Derry decides:
👉 to go back
⭐ 7. Tragic Ending
- When Derry returns:
👉 Mr Lamb falls from a ladder and dies - Derry is shocked and cries
🔹 Themes
✔ 1. Appearance vs Reality
- Looks are not important
- Inner qualities matter more
✔ 2. Loneliness
- Both Derry and Mr Lamb are lonely
- They seek connection
✔ 3. Positive Attitude
- Mr Lamb lives happily despite disability
✔ 4. Fear and Isolation
- Fear stops people from living freely
🔹 Character Sketch
⭐ Derry
- Sensitive and insecure
- Feels rejected
- Later becomes positive
⭐ Mr Lamb
- Wise and kind
- Optimistic
- Loves nature and people
Symbolism
- Garden → Freedom and acceptance
- Weeds & flowers → Equality in life
- Tin leg / burnt face → Physical disability
Important Exam Points
- Theme = positive thinking + acceptance
- Derry = negative → positive change
- Mr Lamb = symbol of wisdom
- Ending = tragic but meaningful
Conclusion
The play teaches that:
👉 Life should be lived positively
👉 Physical appearance does not define a person
👉 We must accept ourselves and others
🔥 One-Line Summary
👉 The play shows that positive thinking and self-acceptance are more important than physical appearance.
Also Read- B.Pharm and D.Pharm Notes PDF (All Semester) – Complete Study Material & Syllabus
Class 12 English Vistas Chapter 5: On The Face Of It Notes
English Vistas Chapter 5 On The Face Of It MCQs
1. Who is the author of “On the Face of It”?
2. Who is Derry?
3. What happened to Derry’s face?
4. Who is Mr Lamb?
5. How did Mr Lamb lose his leg?
6. Why does Derry avoid people?
7. What does Mr Lamb’s garden symbolise?
8. What change occurs in Derry?
9. What happens at the end of the play?
10. What is the main message of the play?
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